Casanova Bar in Paterson robbed after closing time

PATERSON - An employee of the Casanova Bar and Lounge was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning just after closing up the business on Union Avenue in the city's Hillcreast area, according to police.

At first, the suspect simply assaulted the employee, but the 36-year-old man fought off the attempt to rob him, said Sgt. Dean Barone. At that point, the suspect pulled out a handgun and took cash from the victim, Barone said.

The incident happened at about 3:30 am on Sunday, but was not reported to police until Tuesday evening, authorities said.